General Howard informed me, in a haughty spirit, that he would give my people 30 days to go back home, collect all their stock, and move onto the reservation.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the...

A chief called Lawyer, because he was a great talker, took the lead in the...

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken...

It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and the broken...

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.

War can be avoided, and it ought to be avoided. I want no war.

We ask to be recognized as men.

We ask to be recognized as men.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people...

Governor Isaac Stevens of the Washington Territory said there were a great many white people...

We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the...

We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the...

I want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...